2018 -- H 7248

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LC003036

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- WILDCATS AND HYBRID

CATS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives McNamara, Bennett, Serpa, Ackerman, and Solomon

     Date Introduced: January 19, 2018

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 4-18 of the General Laws entitled "Importation of Wild Animals"

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is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     4-18-3.1. Wild and hybrid cats.

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     (a) No person shall import into, receive, breed or possess any wildcat or hybrid cat

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without first obtaining a permit from the department of environmental management pursuant to

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ยง4-18-3.

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     (b) "Hybrid cat" shall mean any cat which possesses combined lineage from domestic

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cats (Felis domesticus) and from any wildcat (Felis silvestris). "Wildcats" shall include, but not

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be limited to: Felis silvestris lybica; Felis silvestris ornata; Felis silvestris cafra; Felis silvestris

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silvestris; and Felis silvestris bieti.

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     (c) Hybrid cat breeds shall include, but not be limited to: Savannah; Bengal; Toyger:

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Chausie; Cheetoh; Jungle Lynx; Serengeti; and Pixiebob.

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     (d) Any animal care facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

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shall be exempt from this provision; provided, however, the facility shall provide the state

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veterinarian with a quarterly summary of any and all animal acquisitions and dispositions.

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     (e) Violations of this section shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred

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dollars ($500) or imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days.

 

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO ANIMALS AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY -- WILDCATS AND HYBRID

CATS

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     This act would prohibit possession or breeding of wildcats or hybrid cats without a permit

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from the department of environmental management. The act would also exempt facilities

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accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Violators would be subject to a five

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hundred dollar ($500) fine or ninety (90) days imprisonment.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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